Long before the buzzword “quality time” came into popular usage, parents go to markets or department stores to acquire whatever is or are needed by their households. Kids are usually left behind with one of the parent or for more affluent families, with their “yayas”.

As time moved on, both parents have to work or go to the office to make ends meet or to fulfill their vocations or careers. Again, the children were excluded in their daily grinds.

Time came when parents and children drifted away from each other because of their disparate schedules and interests. A compromise solution came via “quality time”. Parents, if and when possible, bring their kids to their activities including their constant trips to markets. However, the “fostering of stronger binds” still cannot prosper. What interests the parent does not amuse the kids  and vice versa.

Markets too,  evolved through time. In vogue are one-stop shops, or stores offering different wares and goods are housed under one big roof, etc. eventually developing into the kind of malls we have today. A compromise solution was developed - varied goods, merchandizes, wares and services are offered while at the same time amusement for the kids were put in place. To while away the time, the kids are entertained by toys, skating rinks, assorted rides, refreshment parlors, even painting and other educational sessions. 

Thence, while shopping malls are sprouting like the proverbial mushroom nowadays, it's never became easy to keep a kid entertained, even with the many offerings of amusements parlors inside the malls. But in this age of computers, internet, and the ubiquitous cell phones, games and amusement for children that require thinking and  the imagination are the best to give them. As, they enjoy they can also be challenged at the same time.

It's no surprise then as this is a marketing ploy, when shopping malls continue to introduce newer and better attractions that keep the interest of kids to discover other things.